What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 403

"Can you blame her? A brilliant woman like Dr. Chavez won't put up with disrespect."

"They just don't seem compatible. One's in management, the other's in tech. Two dominant personalities can't sustain a marriage."

"But what about their kid?"

"A kid can't save a loveless marriage."

"I wonder if she'll remarry. What kind of guy would she even go for?"

The other men chuckled, though there was no malice in their tone. "A powerhouse like her needs a family man. Someone to take care of the house, have dinner ready when she gets home from a long day. Perfect match."

"That's basically what we men want, right? A wife and kids. For her, it's just flipping the script."

The group laughed.

Finnian stiffened, feeling like he'd been struck. He lost all desire to smoke and turned back to the private dining room.

Kaia was still deep in conversation. Klaus was looking at her with undeniable professional adoration, which made Finnian's blood boil.

It was obvious she was reveling in being the center of attention.

After lunch, they headed back to the hotel. From his car, Finnian watched the vehicle behind them. Kaia and Silas were sitting together, supposedly discussing work.

Staring out the window, the employees' gossip echoed in his mind. The separate rooms had already exposed their fractured marriage.

He clenched and unclenched his fists.

Was the agreement just for show?

At the hotel elevator, he bumped into Kaia. She walked in with a neutral expression.

The other subordinates, seeing the couple together, tactfully decided to wait for the next car.

Finnian glanced at her. "Today went smoothly."

"Yeah."

"Cytogene agreed to share a few more projects."

"Yeah."

He frowned at the woman who was shutting down the conversation with single syllables.

Every nod felt like an attempt to gag him.

When the elevator chimed, she stepped out briskly.

"Kaia, wait. We need to talk." He decided to confront her.

"About what? I'm exhausted. Can we do this later?" She really just wanted to sleep.

"It'll only take five minutes."

"Spit it out," she said, looking impatient.

He wandered over, leaning against the doorframe, watching the dark, silky strands catch the air. It brushed against his heart like a feather.

"Do you want me to help..." he offered suddenly. She used to ask him to help dry her thick hair; she'd lean back on the couch like a lazy cat while he did it.

He almost always obliged.

"No need," she refused flatly.

He frowned. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

He didn't leave, continuing to watch her reflection in the mirror.

The hair dryer hummed quietly, allowing for conversation.

"Does acting like a loving couple make you feel wronged?" he asked.

She paused, then spoke evenly. "Finnian, let's keep this strictly professional. I take my salary and dividends from The Sanders Conglomerate. Making sure this project succeeds is simply my obligation."

"Obligation?" He rooted to the spot, letting out a hollow laugh. "Is that all that's left between us? Obligation?"

"What else is there?" She turned to him. "You know, hypocrites are incredibly repulsive."

His face froze. Was she calling him a hypocrite?